Political and religious dignitaries and figures started arriving Friday morning at the Beirut International Airport to welcome Pope Benedict XVI in Beirut.
Senior bishops and Lebanese religious leaders arrived at the Airport for the purpose.

Arriving at the Airport have also been "Change and Reform" Head Michel Aoun, US Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Conelly, Syrian Ambassador Ali Abdel karim Ali, Kuwaiti Ambassador Abdel Aal Ali, Vice Speaker Farid Mkari, Vice Prime Minister Samir Mekbel, Ministers Jibran Bassil, Fadi Abboud, Nicholas Nahhas, Gaby Layyoun and Panos Monjian, as well as Deputies Samer Saadeh, Selim Karam, Abdel Latif Zein, Atef Majdalani, Seymond Abi Ramia, Ibrahim Kenaan, Bahiyya Hariri and Nabil De Freij, in addition to Greek Catholic League Head Maroun Abu Rjeili and Civil Service Council Head Khaled Qabbani.

Pope Benedict XVI, the messenger of peace, arrives in Beirut
Pope Benedict XVI's plane touched down in Beirut International Airport on Friday, starting a three-day visit that the Supreme Pontiff had described as a "pilgrimage of peace for the entire region."

This "messenger of peace" arrives in Lebanon Friday to push Christians to strengthen their presence in the region.

The Pope will head to the Basilica of St. Paul in Harissa, where he will sign the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, based on discussions among Catholic bishops at a Rome synod on the Middle East back in 2010.

During his three day-visit, the Pope will also be holding two major open-air events and meet with leaders of all Lebanon's many Christian and Islamic officials, as well as the country's political leaders.

Pope leaves plane, waves at welcoming crowds
Pope Benedict XVI's exited the plane waving at scores of greeters who gathered since early morning on Friday to receive the Supreme Pontiff, with President of the Republic Michel Sleiman, First Lady Wafaa Sleiman, Speaker of the House Nabih Berri and his wife Randa Berri, Prime Minister Najib Mikati and his wife, in addition to Maronite Patriarch, Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, leading the assembled crowds, NNA correspondent said.

21 cannon shots were fired saluting the Supreme visitor. Later, the Lebanese and the Vatican anthems were played.

At the time being, President Sleiman delivers a word on this special occasion, calling for peaceful solutions to conflicts rocking the Middle East region.

The Pope described his three-day visit to Lebanon as a "pilgrimage of peace for the entire region."

Sleiman hails Pope's Lebanon visit as "message of peace"
President of the Republic Michel Sleiman's welcoming word to the Pope hailed the Supreme Pontiff's desire to make known before the whole entire world that Lebanon remains a remarkable model of diversity and coexistence.

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Beirut International Airport on Friday, starting a three-day visit that his Holiness has described as a "pilgrimage of peace for the entire region."

"You wished to choose Lebanon and carry from within a message of peace to the peoples of the region by means of the apostolic exhortation," Sleiman said in speech he delivered amid the formal reception which had been held for his Holiness at Beirut International Airport. He also expressed great honor for being a part of this landmark event.

The pope will head to the Basilica of St. Paul in Harissa, where he will sign the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, based on discussions among Catholic bishops at a Rome synod on the Middle East in 2010.

"Peace, in your [Pope's] perspective, is not a mere condemnation of violence and bloodshed, but rather more a strong connection God whom all the peoples of the east belong to," Sleiman added.

"It is a peace of justice, respect, and rights, built on dialogue and consecrated through rapprochement."
Despite the grave danger and difficulties surrounding the countries, Sleiman said the Pope's visit came to confirm the paramount importance of Christian Muslim coexistence and in an attempt to preserve Lebanon's historic call, especially amid the great challenges ahead.

The President, speaking on the behalf of the Lebanese, told the Pope "the Lebanese family, with all its components and sects, welcomes your Holiness in appreciation and thankfulness in return for your genuine love for our country, which you [Pope] have described as a dear treasure comprising diversity, pluralism, and coexistence."

The Papal visit comes amid fears that Syria's conflict might spill over to Lebanon. Clashes in Lebanon over the past months have claimed the lives of more than two dozen people and left scores wounded.

"But Lebanon has always proven to enjoy the ability to resist, sacrifice, and even opt for martyrdom to defend the nation's sovereignty, independence, freedom, and value," the President added, sharing with his Holiness the Lebanese people's brave accomplishments in and outside Lebanon.

The President also shed light on the situation of the approximately 400 thousand Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

"This is an occasion to remind all that humanitarianly caring for the Palestinian refugees, is an international responsibility, first and foremost, pending a just political solution to their cause, and that of the Middle East region," Sleiman stressed, requesting that Palestinians be granted their right of return to their homeland, fully eliminating the possibility of naturalizing them in Lebanon, as per an Arab peace initiative and the Lebanese constitution.

Benedict, the third pope to visit Lebanon after Paul VI in 1964 and John Paul II in 1997, will also be addressing concerns by the region's bishops over the plight of Christians in the Middle East.

Pope delivers word of peace to Lebanon
Mr President,
Messrs President of the Parliament and of the Council of Ministers,
Your Beatitudes, Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Civil and Religious Authorities, dear Friends,
It is my honour to accept your invitation, Mr President, and that of the Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops of Lebanon, to visit your country.

This dual invitation demonstrates, were it necessary, the dual purpose of my visit to your country. It underlines the excellent relations which have always existed between Lebanon and the Holy See, and seeks to contribute to strengthening them.

This visit is also in response to your own visits to Rome in November 2008, and more recently in February 2011, a visit which was followed nine months later by that of the Prime Minister.

It was during the second of our meetings that the magnificent statue of Saint Maron was blessed. His silent presence at the side of Saint Peter's Basilica is a constant reminder of Lebanon in the very place where the Apostle Peter was laid to rest. It witnesses to a long spiritual heritage, confirming the Lebanese people's veneration for the first of the Apostles and for his successors.

It is in order to underline the great devotion to Simon Peter that the Maronite Patriarchs add Boutros to their first name. It is wonderful to see how, from that Petrine sanctuary, Saint Maron intercedes continually for your country and for the entire Middle East. Let me thank you in advance, Mr President, for all that you have done to make my stay among you a success.

Another reason for my visit is the important ecclesial event of the signature and the consigning of the post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops, Ecclesia in Medio Oriente. I thank all the Catholic Patriarchs who have come, and particularly the Patriarch Emeritus, the beloved Cardinal Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, and his successor Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rahi. I offer fraternal greetings to all the Bishops of Lebanon, as well as to those who have travelled to pray with me and to receive this document from the hands of the Pope himself.

Through them, I send fatherly greetings to all the Christians of the Middle East. Addressed to everyone, the Exhortation is intended as a roadmap for the years to come. During these days I am also pleased to be able to meet many representatives from the Catholic communities of your country, so as to celebrate and pray together.
Their presence, commitment and witness are a valued contribution and are highly appreciated in the daily life of all the inhabitants of your beloved country.

I wish also to greet very warmly the Orthodox Patriarchs and Bishops who have come to welcome me, as well as the representatives of the other religious communities in Lebanon.
Dear friends, your presence shows the esteem and the cooperation which, in mutual respect, you wish to promote among everyone. I thank you for your efforts and I am certain that you will continue to seek out the paths of unity and concord. I cannot forget the sad and painful events which have affected your beautiful country along the years.
The successful way the Lebanese all live together surely demonstrates to the whole Middle East and to the rest of the world that, within a nation, there can exist cooperation between the various churches, all members of the one Catholic Church in a fraternal spirit of communion with other Christians, and at the same time coexistence and respectful dialogue between Christians and their brethren of other religions. Like me, you know that this equilibrium, which is presented everywhere as an example, is extremely delicate.

Sometimes it seems about to snap like a bow which is overstretched or submitted to pressures which are too often partisan, even selfish, contrary and extraneous to Lebanese harmony and gentleness. This is where real moderation and great wisdom are tested. And reason must overcome one-sided passion in order to promote the greater good of all. Did not the great King Solomon, who knew Hiram,
King of Tyre, consider that wisdom was the supreme virtue? This is why he pleaded to God for it insistently, and God gave him a wise and intelligent heart (1 Kg 3:9-12).

I have also come to say how important the presence of God is in the life of everyone and how the manner of coexistence, this conviviality to which your country wishes to bear witness, will run deep only if it is founded upon a welcoming regard for the other and upon an attitude of benevolence, and if it is rooted in God who wishes all men to be brothers.
The celebrated Lebanese equilibrium which wishes to continue to be a reality will continue through the good will and commitment of all Lebanese. Only then will it serve as a model to the inhabitants of the whole region and of the entire world. This is not just a human task, but a gift of God which should be sought with insistence, preserved at all costs, and consolidated with determination.

The links between Lebanon and the Successor of Peter are ancient and deep. Mr President, dear friends, I have come to Lebanon as a pilgrim of peace, as a friend of God and as a friend of men. Christ says, Salami ou-tikum, "My peace I give to you" (Jn 14:27).

And looking beyond your country, I also come symbolically to all the countries of the Middle East as a pilgrim of peace, as a friend of God and as a friend of all the inhabitants of all the countries of the region, whatever their origins and beliefs.

To them too Christ says: Salami ou-tikum. Your joys and sorrows are constantly present in the Pope's prayers and I ask God to accompany you and to comfort you. Let me assure you that I pray especially for the many people who suffer in this region. The statue of Saint Maron reminds me of what you live and endure.

Mr President, I know that your country is preparing a fine welcome for me, a warm welcome, the welcome that is given to a beloved and respected brother. I know that your country wishes to be worthy of the Lebanese Ahlan wa Sahlan [welcome].

It is already so and from now on it will be so even more. I am happy to be here with you. May God bless you all. (Liyo barik al-Rab jami'a kum!) Thank you.

Pope, Sleiman move to Airport senior visitors' lounge
The Supreme Ponitff moved to the Airport's senior visitors lounge accompanied by President Michel Sleiman, in presence of Speaker Berri and Premier Mikati.

Afterwards, Pope Benedict XVI will move to his residence at the Papal Embassy.

The Pope starts a three-day visit to Lebanon, which the Supreme Pontiff described as a "pilgrimage of peace for the entire region."

This "messenger of peace" arrives in Lebanon today to push Christians to strengthen their presence in the region.

Supreme Pontiff bounds for Harissa
Pope Benedict XVI left Beirut Airport, heading to his residence in Harissa.

The Supreme Pontiff received an official ceremony at Beirut Airport, in which President Michel Sleiman, House Speaker Nabih Berri, Premier Najib Mikati and scores of religious and political dignitaries partook.

Pope makes plea from plane to halt Syria arms import
Pope Benedict appealed for a stop to arms imports to Syria on Friday, saying it would help end the civil war there, and said the Arab Spring was a positive "cry for freedom" as long as it included religious tolerance, Reuters reported.

Benedict spoke in his plane flying to Beirut, only 50 km (30 miles) from the border with Syria, for a three-day visit focused on promoting peace in the Middle East and harmony between its minority Christians and majority Muslims.

Christian, Sunni and Shi'ite Muslim and Druze religious leaders joined Lebanon's political elite in greeting Benedict on his arrival, displaying a harmony not seen elsewhere in a region now rocked by protests against a U.S.-made anti-Islam film.

"The import of weapons has to finally stop," Benedict, 85, told journalists on the plane. "Without the import of arms the war cannot continue. Instead of importing weapons, which is a grave sin, we have to import ideas of peace and creativity."

The Arab Spring uprisings against authoritarian regimes were "a positive thing. There is a desire for more democracy, more freedoms, more cooperation and renewal," he said.

But he added that it had to include tolerance for other religions. Asked about Christians' fears about rising aggression from Islamist radicals, Benedict said: "Fundamentalism is always a falsification of religion."

All main faith groups in the country, which fought a civil war along sectarian lines from 1975 to 1990, have welcomed the visit. Among banners greeting Benedict on the road from the airport were several from the militant Shi'ite group Hezbollah.

Apostolic Exhortation to be signed by Pope this evening at Harissa's Basilica of Saint John
Pope Benedict XVI will head to the Basilica of St. Paul in Harissa at 6:00 pm on Friday, where he will sign the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops, in the presence of President of the Republic, Michel Sleiman, as well as senior political and religious officials.

Upon arrival, his Holiness will be handed the key of Daraoun village - Harrisa from the region's municipality head, Antoine Shaker Al-Shamal.

The Supreme Pontiff will walk inside the Basilica to the sound of Byzantine hymns.

Later, the Melkite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, of Alexandria and of Jerusalem, Mgr. Gregorio III Laham, and Holy Synod Coordinator Ratirovitch, will deliver two separate words marking this special occasion.

A Maronite hymn will follow in preparation for the Pope's word before signing the Apostolic Exhortation, which will be handed to the Lebanese during Sunday's mass.

Devout assemble at Harissa
The devout began arriving at Harissa's St. Paul Basilica where the Pope is scheduled to sign at 18:00 the Apostolic Exhortation in presence of the Catholic Bishops and Patriarchs Council's members.
Lebanese President Michel Sleiman as well as other political figures shall be present at the signing ceremony.

Apostolic Exhortation ceremony commences
The signing ceremony of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation began at Harissa's St Paul Basilica instantly upon the Pope's arrival.
The ceremony is taking place in presence of Lebanese President Michel Sleiman as well as other political figures.

Gregorios III Laham avows Apostolic Exhortation necessity to clarify Christians' existence in Arab world

The Melchite patriarch, Gregorius III Lahham delivered a word during the signing ceremony of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation:

"Most Holy Father,
Herzlich Wilkommen! Welcome to the East and to Beirut and the Church of Lebanon, one in all its spiritual traditions! Welcome to Lebanon, with all its Muslim and Christian denominations! Welcome to the Melkite Greek Catholic Church and to this church dedicated to Saint Paul, built after the model of the Basilica of the Holy Wisdom (Aghia Sophia) in Constantinople, and property of our Missionary Society of Saint Paul!

Welcome too in the name of the Assemblies of Eastern Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops who responded to your call and took part in the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops, which was a sign of your care and affection.

You are bringing a message to this "message-Lebanon," as it was so aptly described by your predecessor, Blessed Pope John Paul II, a friend of Lebanon, Arab countries and the whole world.
Light comes from the East: ex Oriente lux. From the East the light went out westwards, carrying the message of Jesus. "That was the true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world," (John 1: 9)

Most Holy, beloved Father,
Today, you are bringing back to us light from the East, Orientale lumen, contained in this Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation.
As Jesus said to his elect, Peter, "When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren;" (Luke 22: 32b) so you, most Holy Father, have come to strengthen the Eastern bishops by your love. For our part, we receive this Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation with affection and gratitude. Hence, in our turn, we would like to give Your Holiness mutual confirmation of your faith and that of our beloved brothers in the West.

You decided to sign this Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation in Lebanon, but, in fact, from Lebanon it speaks to the whole Arab East. This document speaks to the Christians of Lebanon and the rest of the Arab world, helping them understand the meaning of their existence, role, mission, service and witness in this Arab world with its Muslim majority. This mission can be summed up in the call to be light, salt and leaven. It allows Christians to know that they are the little flock that is not afraid and does not shrink when confronted by the greatness of that role of being for and with the big flock.

The essence of this Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation lies in its title, Communion and Witness, meaning inner unity for outward witness (ad intra and ad extra.)

This title is a Christian slogan, but can be seen as Christian and Muslim alike. It is in fact a motto that must be lived out in interaction with all the constituent communities of the Arab world.

Most Holy Father,
The Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops was concerned, in a remarkable way, with a case that has a very great influence on the Church in the Arab world: that is, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

We are grateful for the firm, constant position of the Holy See and the Popes with regard to this case over the years. This strong position is a courageous act of equity, justice and truth, so needed by today's world where political injustice is rampant: thus the Holy See remains always the pioneer of world justice.

Furthermore the solution of the Israeli-Palestinian Arab conflict is the warranty for resolving the very complex problems of the Arab world and a warranty too for slowing down the emigration of Christians and strengthening their presence in the East, which is the cradle of Christianity, and enabling them to continue their historic role and mission, side by side and hand in hand with Muslim and other fellow-citizens, "that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly -" (cf. John 10: 10), a freer, more dignified, open, developed and flourishing life.

Recognition of the Palestinian State is the most precious asset that can be acquired by the Arab world in all its Christian and Muslim denominations. It will ensure the realisation of the guidance set out in this Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, for which we express our keenest gratitude. It could prepare the way for a real Arab spring, real democracy and a revolution capable of changing the face of the Arab world and giving peace to the Holy Land, the Middle East and the world.

Most Holy Father,
On this occasion, it is a great happiness for us to proclaim the full, firm, constant communion of our Patriarchate with the Church of Rome that presides in love.

Furthermore, we should like to emphasise the importance of Christian unity, a central theme of the Synod for the Middle East. Let our strong, coherent Churches working together, show everyone through their synergy the values of the ever-new Gospel message, values which you expressed in your Encyclicals on the theological virtues: Love of God (Deus Caritas est), hope (Spe salvi) and love in truth (Caritas in veritate).

The world needs the Church to breathe with both lungs and all its vitality, and for faith to remain pure, joyful and beautiful, so that the world may be renewed. Then will reign the civilization of faith, hope and love: the civilization of Heaven on earth.
Most Holy Father,
We conclude with the prayer which is recited for you during the Divine Liturgy in this church and in all Melkite Greek Catholic churches every day throughout the whole world by the Patriarch and all bishops and priests:

"Among the first, remember, O Lord, our Holy Father Benedict XVI, Pope of Rome, whom do thou grant unto thy holy Churches in peace, safety, honour, health and length of days, rightly dividing the Word of thy truth!"

Thank you very much for your visit!
Thank you very much for the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation!
Thank you very much for your love!
We tell you, we love you!
Ad multos annos!"

Lahham, Pope exchange presents
After concluding his word, Melkite patriarch Gregorios III Lahham, exchanged presents with the Supreme Pontiff.
General Secretary of Synod of Bishops Monseigneur Nikola Eterovic, called on the Pope to sign the Apostolic Exhortation titled "Communion and Witness."

Supreme Pontiff delivers word at Harissa's St. Paul Basilica, touts inter religious dialogue
I thank Patriarch Gregorios Laham from his words of welcome, and the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Archbishop Nicola Eterovic, for his introduction. My warm greetings go for the Patriarchs, to all the Eastern and Latin Bishops for the Middle East. I am also gratified by the presence of the Orthodox, Muslim, Druze delegations, as well as those from the world of culture and from civil society. I greet with affection the beloved Greek Melkite community with gratitude for your welcome. Your presence makes my signing of the post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Eccelesia in Medio Oriente all the more solemn; it testifies that this document, while addressed to the universal church, has a particular importance to the entire Middle East.

Providentially, this event takes place on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a celebration originating in the East in 335, following the dedication of the Basilica of the Resurrection built over Golgotha and our Lord's tomb by the Emperor Constantine the Great, whom you venerate as saint. A month from now we will celebrate the seventeen-hundredth anniversary of the appearance to Constantine of the Chi-Rho, radiant in the symbolic night of his unbelief and accompanied by the words: "In this sign you will conquer!" Later, Constantine signed the Edict of Milan, and gave his name to Constantinople. It seems to me that the Post-Synodal Exhortation can be read and understood in the light of this Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, and more particularly in
the light of the Chi-Rho, the two first letters of the Greek "Christos".

Reading it in this way leads to renewed appreciation of the identity of each baptized person and of the Church, and is at the same time a summons to witness in and through communion. Are not Christian communion and witness grounded in the Paschal Mystery, in the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Christ? Is it not there that they find their fulfillment? There is an inseparable bond between the Cross and the resurrection which Christians must never forget. Without this bond, to exalt the cross means to be united to the totality of God's unconditional love for mankind. It means making an act of faith! To exalt the cross, against the backdrop of the resurrection, means to desire to experience and to show the totality of this love. It means making an act of love! To exalt the cross means to be a committed herald of fraternal and ecclesial communion, the source of authentic Christian witness. It means making an act of hope!

In examining the present situation of the Church in the Middle East, the Synod fathers reflected on the joys and struggles, the fears and hopes of Christ's disciples in these lands. In this way, the entire Church was able to hear the troubled cry and see the desperate faces of many men and women who experience great human and material difficulties, who live amid powerful tensions in fear and uncertainty, who desire to follow Christ- the One who gives meaning to their existence- yet often find themselves prevented from doing so. That is why I wanted the First Letter of Saint Peter to serve as the framework of the document. At the same time, the Church was able to admire all that is beautiful and noble in the churches in these lands. How can we fail to thank God at every moment for all of you (cf.1 Th 1:2; Part One of the Post-Synodal Exhortation), dear Christians of the Middle East! How can we fail to praise him for your courage and faith? How can we fail to thank him for the flame of his infinite love which you continue to keep alive and burning in these places which were the first to welcome his incarnate Son? How can we fail to praise and thank him for your efforts to build a ecclesial and fraternal communion, and for the human solidarity which you constantly show to all God's children?

Ecclesia in Medio Oriente makes it possible to rethink the present in order to look to the future with the eyes of Christ. By its biblical and pastoral orientation, its invitation to deeper spiritual and ecclesiological reflection, its call for liturgical and catechetical renewal, and its summons to dialogue, the Exhortation points out a path for rediscovering what is essential: being a follower of Christ even in difficult and sometimes painful situations which may lead to the temptation to ignore or to forget the exaltation of the cross. It is here and now that we are called to celebrate the victory of love over hate, forgiveness over revenge, service over domination, humility over pride, and unity over division. In the light of today's Feast, and in view of a fruitful application of the Exhortation, I urge all of you to fear not, to stand firm in truth and in purity of faith. This is the language of the cross, exalted and glorious! This is the "folly" of the cross: a folly capable of changing our sufferings into a declaration of love for God and mercy for our neighbor: a folly capable of transforming those who suffer because of their faith and identity into vessels of clay ready to be filled to overflowing by divine gifts more precious than gold. This is more than simply picturesque language: it is a pressing appeal to act concretely in a way which configures us even more fully to Christ, in a way which help the different Churches to reflect the beauty of the first community of believers; in a way like that of the Emperor Constantine, who could bear witness and bring Christians forth from discrimination to enable them openly and freely to live their faith in Christ crucified, dead and risen for the salvation of all.

Ecclessia in Medio Oriente provides some elements that are helpful for a personal and communal examination of conscience, and an objective evaluation of the commitment and desire for holiness of each one of Christ's disciples. The Exhortation shows openness to authentic to authentic interreligious dialogue based on faith in the one God, the Creator. It also seeks to contribute to an ecumenism full of human, spiritual and charitable fervor, in evangelical truth and love, drawing its strength from the commandment of the risen lord.

The Exhortation as a whole is meant to help each of the lord's disciples to live fully and to pass on faithfully to others what he or she has become by baptism: a child of light, sharing in God's own light, a lamp newly lit amid the troubled darkness of this world, so that the light may shine in the darkness. The document seeks to help, purify the faith from all that disfigures it from everything that can obscure the splendor of Christ light. For communion is true fidelity to Christ, and Christian witness is the radiance of the paschal mystery which gives full meaning to the cross, exalted and glorious. As his followers, "we proclaim Christ crucified the power of God and the wisdom of God."

"Fear not, little flock," and remember the promise made to Constantine: "in this sign you will conquer!" Churches of the Middle East, fear not, for the lord is truly with you, to the close of the age! Fear not, because the universal church walks at your side and is humanely and spiritually close to you! It is with this hope and this world of encouragement to be active heralds of the faith by your communion and witness, that on Sunday I will entrust the Post-Synodal Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente to my venerable broth Patriarchs, Archbishops, and bishops, and to all priests, deacons, men and women religious, seminarians and all the lay faithful.
May God bless you all

Benedict signs Apostolic Exhortation
Pope Benedict XVI signed the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops.

Pope signs Apostolic Exhortation, promotes partnership and testimony
A celebration witnessing Pope Benedict XVI signature of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops at Harissa's St. Paul's Basilica ended a while ago with his Holiness calling for the practice of partnership and testimony.
"Fear not, because God will be by your side till the end of ages," he told the present crowds.
President of the Republic, Michel Sleiman, left the Basilica amid cheerful applause from the crowds that gathered at the Basilica's square.

His Holiness returns to Harissa residence
Pope Benedict XVI returned to his residence at the Papal Embassy after signing the Apostolic Exhortation for Middle East Churches at Saint Paul Cathedral, amidst strict security measures.
As such, the Supreme Pontiff winded up the first day of his visit to Lebanon.

First glorious day ends, two more to go
The first glorious day of the Supreme Pontiff's visit to Lebanon came to an end, with the nation's Christians, Muslims, and Druze alike, all awaiting the holy events for the two days to come.
On the first day, religious leaders representing Lebanon's more than 18 sects joined Lebanon's political officials in greeting Pope Benedict XVI on his arrival, displaying a harmony not seen elsewhere in a region now shaken by protests against a U.S.-made anti-Islam film.
Arriving at 13:45 local time in Beirut on Friday, the pope was greeted by a large number of political figures, religious, military, diplomatic, and media corps.
After a welcoming ceremony and speeches delivered by Head of the Lebanese State, Michel Sleiman, and head of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, the swarming crowds moved to the Apostolic Nunciature in Harissa.
Benedict, the third pope to visit Lebanon after Paul VI in 1964 and John Paul II in 1997, addressed concerns by the region's bishops over the plight of Christians in the Middle East.
At 18:00 local time, the Pope signed the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops at Harissa's St. Paul's Basilica, marked by the presence of religious figures and elite politicians.
In his message, the Pope called on Eastern Christians not to fear the developments sweeping the region.
"Practice partnership and testimony and fear not, because God will be by your side till the end of ages."
Tomorrow, Saturday, the Pope will be visiting Baabda Presidential Palace where he will meet with government officials and institutions, religious leaders and representatives of the world of culture. He will then hold a meeting with young people on the esplanade of the Maronite Patriarchate of Bkerki.

Scores assemble in Baabda to meet Pope
Thousands of Lebanese people, representing the nation's diversive national fabric, assembled at Baabda Presidential Palace to welcome and greet Pope Bendict XVI, who is currently on his way to Baabda in the Papa Mobile, National News Agency Correspondent said.

The Pontiff arrives at Sayyad Intersection
The Supreme Pontiff arrived at Sayyad Intersection in Hazmieh taking the "Papa Mobile", amidst crowds gathering alongside the road while hoisting the Lebanese and Papal flags, NNA Correspondent at Baabda Palace reported.
The crowd also hoisted pictures of Pope Benedict and President Michel Sleiman.
In the meantime, senior religious heads and dignitaries continue to pour at Baabda Palace to meet with the Pope.
Citizens and believers also gathered along the coastline road of Jounieh, to wave to the Pope on his way to Baabda, NNA Correspondent in Jounieh reported.

The Pontiff arrives at Baabda Palace
Pope Benedict XVI arrived at Baabda Palace in his "Papa Mobile" and saluted the crowds gathering at the Palace's entrance, NNA Correspondent reported.

Crowds chanted prayers and tossed flowers on the Pontiff's Papa Mobile, cheering his arrival at Baabda Palace.

A Lebanese army helicopter flew over the area amidst strict security measures.
President of the Republic, General Michel Sleiman, and First Lady, Wafaa Sleiman, received his holiness and the President afterwards accompanied the Supreme Pontiff to the Ambassadors' Hall, where the pair held a meeting.

The Supreme Pontiff meets with Sleiman's family members

Pope Benedict XVI met with President Michel Sleiman's family members and handed them memorable presents, NNA Correspondent at Baabda Palace reported.

The Pope also took photos with President Sleiman's family members and registered afterwards a word in the golden book.

Political and religious dignitaries continue to pour at Baabda Palace to meet with the Pope.
Later on, Lebanese President Michel Sleiman and the Holy Pontiff exchanged souvenirs.
The President also handed the Pope with the first set of printed commemorative stamps, marking Pope Bendict's visit to Lebanon.

Pope Benedict XVI met afterwards at Baabda Palace Speaker of the House Nabih Berri and his Wife, Prime Minister Najib Mikati and his wife.

Also on the topic of the Pontiff’s Baabda gatherings, the Pope received senior heads of Islamic sects, notably Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani, Vice Head of the Islamic Supreme Shiite Council Sheikh Abdel Amir Qabalan, Druze Sheikh Akl Naiim Hassan and Alawite Islamic Council Head Sheikh Asad Assi.

The meeting took place in presence of Apostolic Chair Secretary, Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi, Head of Papal Council for Dialogue among Religions Jean Louis Tauran and Papal Nuncio Gabriel Caccia.

Sheikh Qabbani presented a memorandum to the Supreme Pontiff.

The Supreme Pontiff plants "Friendship Cedar" at Baabda palace
Pope Benedict XVI planted the "Friendship Cedar" at Baabda Palace's Presidents' Garden, in presence of President Michel Sleiman and his Wife.

Pope delivers word at Baabda Presidential Palace stressing solidarity, coexistence, dialogue

["I give you my peace"] (Jn 14: 27)!
With this word of Jesus Christ I want to greet you and thank you for your warm greeting and your presence.

Thank you dear President not only for your kind words, but also for allowing this meeting. With you, I came to plant a cedar of Lebanon, symbol of your beautiful country. Seeing this plant and the care it may require to grow stronger and to expand its majestic branches, I thought that your country and its journey, the Lebanese and their hopes, the people of the region, who seem to know the pains of endless childbirth.

I therefore beseeched God to bless you, to bless Lebanon, and to bless all the people of the region which witnessed the birth of major religions and noble cultures. Why did God chose this region? Why does it undergo such a turmoil?
God chose it, as I believe, so that it would be an exemplary, and prove to the world the people's ability to live out their desire for peace and reconciliation! This aspiration has always been drawn in the plan of God which was printed in the heart of people. It is Peace that I want to tackle with you for Jesus said: ["I give you my peace."]

This country is above all rich in the people who live in it. On each and all of them together depend its future and its ability to commit to peace. Such a commitment is not possible but in a cohesive society. However, cohesiveness is not uniformity. Cohesion of society is ensured by constant respect of the dignity of each person and the responsible participation of each one according to his abilities by engaging what is best in them. To ensure the needed vitality to build and consolidate peace, we must tirelessly return to the basics of human beings.

The dignity of man is inseparable from the sanctity of life given by the Creator. In the design of God, every person is unique and irreplaceable. He is brought to light in a family, which is the first place of humanization, and mainly the first instructor of peace. To build peace, our attention must be directed towards the family in order to facilitate its assignment, and therefore to support it and promote the culture of life everywhere.

The potency of commitment to peace depends on the conception that the world can have the human life. If we want peace, let us defend life!
This logic disqualifies not only war and terrorism, but also every harm against the life of people, the creatures willed by God. The indifference or denial of what founds the true human nature prevents compliance with this grammar which is the natural law written in the heart of the people (cf. Message for World Day of Peace 2007, n.3).

The size and purpose of any person is not found but in God.
Thus, the unconditional recognition of the dignity of every human being, of every one of us, and of the sanctity of life makes everyone responsible before God. We must unite our efforts to develop a sound anthropology which integrates a person's entity. Without it, it is not possible to build true peace.
To be more evident in countries experiencing armed conflicts - these wars filled with vanities and horrors - damages to the integrity and life of the people also exist in other countries.

Unemployment, poverty, corruption, various addictions, exploitation, trafficking of all kinds and terrorism, are causing, along with the unacceptable suffering of those who are victims, the loss of human potential.
However, the loss of every human life is a loss to the entire humanity.
This one is a big family we are all responsible of. Some ideologies undermine the foundations of society. We must be aware of the damage to the establishment and harmony of living together. Only effective solidarity is the antidote to all of this. Solidarity might reject what hinders respect for all human, solidarity to support policies and initiatives that work to unite the people in a way that is honest and fair.

It is lovely to see the actions of collaboration and dialogue which build a new true way of living together. A better quality of life and full development is solely possible through the distribution of wealth and potentials while respecting the identity of each person. But such a convivial lifestyle, serene and dynamic lifestyle cannot exist without one's trust in the other, whatever he may be. Today, cultural, social, and religious differences should lead to a new type of brotherhood. Therein lies the path to peace! Therein lies the commitment required of us! There lies guidance that should top political and economic choices at each level and on a global scale! To open for future generations a future of peace, the first task, would be to build a culture of peace.

Education, within the family or school, must be above all an education on spiritual values that give to the transmission of knowledge and traditions their meaning and force. The human mind has an inborn taste for the beauty, the good, and the true. This is the seal of the divine, the sign of God in it!
Of this universal aspiration comes a firm and fair moral conception which always puts people at the center.

But it is only with freedom that people can turn to good, for "dignity of man requires that he acts by a conscious, free, and personal choice, that is to say, determined and driven from within, and not as a result of extensive, internal, blind or purely external constraints"(Gaudium et Spes, 17).
The task of education is to accompany the maturity of the capacity to make free and correct choices and to be able to go against the flow of widespread opinions, fashions, political and religious ideologies.

The establishment of the culture of peace requires this price! It is obviously necessary to ban verbal or physical abuse. It is still an affront to human dignity, as well as to that of the aggressor and the victim. In return, by appreciating peaceful acts and their radiation for the common good, we also create interest in peace. As history shows, such gestures of peace play a significant role at the social, national and international levels. The education of peace shall train men and women to be generous and upright, attentive to all, especially to those who are weaker. Thoughts of peace, words of peace and peace movements create an atmosphere of respect, honesty and warmth, where faults and offenses can be truthfully recognized to advance together towards reconciliation. That's what statesmen and religious leaders are thinking about!

We must be aware that evil is not an anonymous force which acts in the world
so impersonal or deterministic. Evil, the devil, passes through human freedom, by the use of our freedom. It seeks an ally, man. Evil needs him to spread. Thus, having offended the first commandment, God's love, comes second the prevention of the love of a neighbor. With him, the love of a neighbor disappears in favor of falsehood and envy, hatred and death. But it possible not to allow evil to overcome us, but rather to overcome evil with good (cf. Rom 12: 21).

It is in this conversion of the heart that we are called forth. Without it, the aspired human 'release' becomes highly disappointed, as they move in the reduced space granted by the narrowness of man, his toughness, his intolerance, his favoritism, his desire for revenge and death instincts. In-depth transformation of mind and heart is necessary to find some foresight and impartiality, sense of justice and the common good. A new look and free will capable of analyzing and questioning human systems that lead to dead ends, to advance taking into account the past, never to repeat it again with its
devastating effects. This requested conversion is magnificent because it opens opportunities to countless resources that inhabit the hearts of so many men and women who wish to live in peace and enjoy the will to commit to peace. But it is particularly demanding: it is to say no revenge, to recognize our mistakes, to accept apologies without questioning them, and finally forgive. Because only the forgiveness given and received laid the foundations of sustainable reconciliation and
peace for all (cf. Rom 12: 16b. 18).

Only then can understanding between cultures and religions grow, so will appreciation without condescension and respect for the rights of each other. In Lebanon Christianity and Islam have lived in the same area for centuries. It is not uncommon to see the same family joining both religions. If it is possible for a family to enjoy that, why would it be impossible at the level of the entire society? The specificity of the Middle East is in the mix of various secular components. A plural society is only built on mutual respect and the desire to know the other, as well as by ongoing dialogue. This dialogue between men is only possible in the awareness that there are values common to all crops, because they are rooted in the nature of the human person. These values
are as a sub-trait. They express the traits and characteristics of authentic humanity. They are every human being's right. In asserting their existence, different religions make a decisive contribution. Do not forget that religious freedom is the fundamental right many other rights depend on. To profess one's religion and living freely without having to endanger one's life and freedom must be possible for anyone. Loss or impairment of this freedom deprives people of their sacred right to their spiritual life. The so-called tolerance does not eliminate discrimination; sometimes it reinforces the same. Religious freedom has social and political dimension essential to peace!

It promotes harmonious coexistence and life through joint commitment to noble causes and the search for truth which does not impose itself through violence but rather through "the power of truth itself" (Dignitatis Humanae, 1), this Truth which is in God. The belief that we live invariably leads to love. Genuine belief cannot lead to death. The peacemaker is humble and just. Believers have therefore today an essential role, that witness to the peace that comes from God and is a gift granted to all in personal, family, social, political and economic life (cf. Mt 5, 9; Heb 12: 14). The inaction of good people must not allow evil to triumph. The worst thing is not to do anything about it.

These few reflections on peace, society, human dignity, family and life values, dialogue and solidarity cannot remain mere declared ideals. They can and should be lived. We are in Lebanon and it is here that they must be lived. Lebanon is called, now more than ever, to be an example. Politicians, diplomats, religious men, and men and women from the world of culture, I invite you to witness with courage, in time and despite inconveniences around you, that God wants peace that God gives us peace. ...... ........ ["I give you my Peace "] (Jn 14, 27) tells us Christ!
God bless you! Thank you.

The Supreme Pontiff leaves Baabda palace
Pope Benedict XVI left Baabda Palace, heading to his residence at the Papal Embassy in Harissa after the termination of Baabda official ceremony.
The Supreme Pontiff will attend a dinner banquet by patriarchs, bishops and Catholic Patriarchs Council members, at the Catholic Armenian Patriarchate in Bzemmar.

Mikati presents gold-plated cross to the Pope
Prime Minister Najib Mikati presented a gift to Pope Benedict XVI, tantamount to a gold-plated cross that dates back to the eighteenth century.

Sleiman says Lebanon intact despite challenges

President of the Republic, Michel Sleiman, said on Saturday that the unique Lebanese experience remains unscathed despite the challenges which threatened the nation's stability, for decades now.
The President delivered his word at Baabda Presidential Palace amid the landmark visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Lebanon which gathered people representing the entire Lebanese fabric, at one holy event.
This gathering bears in its outlook and objectives as well as in the symbolism of this place and the particularity of this time, an exceptional significance and a special historical dimension.
You come to Lebanon, carrying a message of love and peace, following the footsteps of your great predecessor Blessed John Paul II, who gave the Lebanese, on the 10th of May 1997,an Apostolic guidance, filled with wisdom, far-sightedness and hope: "A New Hope for Lebanon", that His Holiness asserted with inspirational words “Lebanon is more than a country, it's a message of peace and coexistence for the East and the West."

At this critical stage of our national life, where around us, some stray towards the logic of violence and the dangers of sectarian and confessional fragmentation and estrangement, where Arab peoples seek, in the midst of stalling factors, to probe their future and best options, we are confident, Your Holiness, that your visit to Lebanon will contribute to shed glaze on our country's message, to highlight its pioneer role amid its surroundings, as a land of dialogue, of convergence and of concord, as a living model and, as hoped for, an international center for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions which I have called for at the General Assembly of the United Nations.

We have since the beginning concurred, Your Holiness, to live together, within the encompassing frame of the state, and within the framework of a democratic system that guarantees freedom of opinion and allows a peaceful devolution of power: Article IX of the Lebanese Constitution stipulates that "there shall be absolute freedom of conscience and that the state shall respect all religions and creeds and guarantees, under its protection, the free exercise of all religious rites."

For the Lebanese, coexistence
Is not a rigid formula;
It is a constructive human integration;
It is a productive intellectual and cultural complementarity;
It is a mutual enrichment and a belonging;

Which is at the heart of the philosophy of their national entity,
Founded upon a free and renewed political will.

At the practical level, it is translated by the participation of all society's communities and components in the management of public affairs in an equal and balanced way leading to a civil state guaranteeing the rights of all citizens, without discrimination or differentiation.

This is the essence of what we agreed upon based on a pact, and we always strive to improve its model, consolidate its pillars through understanding, exchange and dialogue, despite the obstacles that we sometimes confront and the circumstantial failures that befall us.

We are aware, Your Holiness, that the Holy See has no material or economic interests when setting its policies and orientations; rather it has an objective and zealous keenness of the common good and of human's dignity and well-being.

That is why your message conveys to Lebanon, and from it to the whole region, including its Christians and Muslims, to all its religious, confessional and social components, to all the Lebanese spread abroad and the people of the Levant in all corners of the world, a pure content that is void of ambitions and whims; especially through the Apostolic Exhortation of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops, which you signed yesterday afternoon.

It is an exhortation that extends contents, recommendations and morals fit to be a guiding beacon for decades to come and a roadmap for Christians in the Levant and for any person that follows the path of partnership, love, justice and peace.

From this perspective, we submit our unique Lebanese experience to your kind consideration. It is an experience that has not been affected by the difficulties that have put our will to live together to test during the past decades, although challenges still impede our national course in an uncertain and intertwined world.

Among these challenges figure efforts to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in all its provisions, curb Israel's violations and persistent threats against Lebanon, address the threat of terrorism, schemes and strife, and prevent any form of settlement of Palestinian refugees on our territories, for the latter would not simply contradict with the Lebanese constitution provisions and the requirements of our national concord, but essentially with the Palestinian Refugees' natural Right of Return to their lands and homes.

Furthermore, there is the necessity to achieve a balanced development, protect the environment, provide job opportunities for citizens, and especially for the youth to uphold incentives for their attachment to their land, identity, and heritage.

Your support to Lebanon in these particular circumstances gains a paramount importance, as Your Holiness and the Holy See represent a sublime spiritual reference and an influential moral authority.

We were pleased to know that the UN Security Council, and later the Council of the European Union, and many spiritual references and states, commended the call to resume the National Dialogue Committee works and "Baabda Declaration" which reaffirmed and formulated the foundations of our national concord; all the above asserted their support to all that could promote chances of stability.

Your Holiness,
We, in Lebanon, have agreed on the necessity of preventing negative repercussions of the events taking place around us in the region on the country, and neutralizing the latter from the policy of axes and international and regional conflicts, in order to preempt risks, driven by our keenness to preserve our stability and our national unity;
Naturally, we could not dissociate ourselves from the obligation of committing to the just Arab causes, on top of which figures the question of Palestine, to the resolutions of the international legitimacy, and to humane issues.

That is why we have given all the necessary attention and care to thousands of displaced Syrians who fled to the Lebanese territories, as a result of fear, need or distress.
Moreover, we have since the onset of these events, declared that Lebanon wishes the brotherly Arab peoples, and the Syrian people in particular, that they attain what they desire in terms of reform, freedom, democracy, and that they could achieve their legitimate demands through the appropriate dialogue and political means, away from any form of violence and coercion.

Nevertheless, this democracy, which should provide stability and people's well-being, could not take the right path and be consolidated, from the perspective of logic and justice, should it not fulfill the following requirements:

First: Engaging all the diverse human and civilization components of the Arab world, including the Christian component rooted in the East for more than two thousand consecutive years, in the management of the political life and public affairs, no matter their numerical proportion on the basis of citizenship and diversity among unity, as I have noted in my speech at the Arab Summit in Baghdad on the 29th of March 2012, so that these components that form the Arab entity in its various cultural and intellectual dimensions would be reassured of their presence and future, and they would thus better contribute to the advancement and progress of their countries.

Second: Achieving social justice and committing to civil liberties and human rights, including women rights and granting the youth their role and right in the decision-making process.

Third: Committing to a deeper and closer examination of the issue of dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions, including the dialogue between denominations and confessions, on the basis of mutual respect, in the face of attempts to sow discord, away from the logic of isolation, or confrontation and prevalence.

Fourth: Urging the international community to impose a just and comprehensive solution to all aspects of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the question of Palestine, including the question of the special status of Jerusalem and the Holy Places, in accordance to set binding deadlines, which would prevent consecrating any fait accompli aimed at the construction of illegal settlements, the Judaization of Jerusalem and the consecration of occupation. Such a solution cannot acquire the quality of constancy, should it not be based on the international law, the relevant international legitimacy resolutions, Madrid's Terms of Reference, and the Arab Peace Initiative adopted in Beirut a decade ago.

Jerusalem remains always and across times in our soul and mind, the Flower of Cities, the City of peace and a point of attraction where Justice is supposed to upright its scale, and all the peoples of faith would head to it and converge on the bases of affinity, love, and faith, in the presence of the One God.

Your Holiness,
In the face of human tragedies and calamities, and at each test of character and will, one can either watch and step aside, or escape and stay away, or engage courageously in the honorable solidarity movement, to heal the wounds, to rebuild what was destroyed, to bond what was cut, or to console those who have been affected by injury or harm.

I call upon the citizens, and especially the youth, in your presence and with your blessing your Holiness, that they at no point fall prey to retreat, seclusion or extremism.

Rather, they are to seek to engage in fruitful efforts to blossom their talents and serve the common good;
they are to always abide by the spirit of openness and generosity that distinguish them,
They are to preserve their faith and humanitarian selves, and all the spiritual and family values with which they overcame difficulties and that enabled them to earn many of God's blessings. And thus Lebanon will remain for them and with them, an oasis for the dialogue of ideas and hearts and a beacon for positive thinking, a bridge of communication and complementarity, a message of freedom and coexistence for the East and the West ...

Yet, we are aware that democracy, justice, peace, respect of the Other's opinion, and the spirit of love and dialogue are
first and foremost a Culture,
a way of life and a line of thought.
It is an educational and social responsibility that falls upon the shoulders of the civil leaderships and spiritual references alike, in an interdependent world dominated by uncertainty and turmoil where efforts for establishing a fairer and more equitable international economic and financial order that is more aligned with values are stalled.

We have the honor Your Holiness to welcome you once again in these hallways and to listen carefully to the essential message that you chose to address from this particular site, a day after you signed the Apostolic Exhortation.